How To: Get Rid of Distractions

Distractions. What would we do without them? Get more done, for sure. But let’s take a step back for a moment. What causes distractions? Is it the lack of interest in whatever subject that may be had? Or is it too much stress?

Sometimes, distractions can be useful, especially when it comes to stress. In this way, distractions can pull the mind away from whatever is “irking” it and let it bob away in the random information from life.

Stress is a huge contributor to later diseases, early death, and even a creativity block. So, distractions can’t be all bad, can they?

Of course, stress isn’t always the contributor to a distracted, or procrastinated mind. For these situations, here’s a list of helpful tips to prevent a way too distracted mind.

1. Notice and Catalog

First things first, catalog all of the distractions you may have. After, start to notice when you’re being distracted and write it down. Often times, things don’t seem as bad as they are because not much notice has been placed on them.

2. Turn Off Notifications

Be it on phone, computer, or otherwise, notifications are notorious for pulling us out of whatever we are doing. The average person now checks their mobile phone 150 times a day, according to a recent survey. These are baseline distractions, and easy to manage. Either turn off notifications permanently, or just turn them off when work is happening or another important task is at hand.

3. Remove Clutter

This should be done both in your daily and digital life. Free up room from apps covering your phone screen. Instead of checking your phone for an important text by your boss, a distraction from one of the many apps laid on your phone could hold you off from doing what really needs to be done.

Also, no one likes to look at an overly cluttered desk. Trash or otherwise could hamper work and make it more difficult to concentrate.

4. Breakup What Needs To Be Done

Is the stress coming from a particular project is because the project is too severe? Try breaking it up in smaller, less scary chunks. If that doesn’t seem possible, take a step back from what is happening. Are you sure you’re on the right course? Make sure everything that you’re doing is right for your health and your mind. If what you’re doing has no importance to you, then why bother?

5. Add Nothing To Your Schedule

Seriously. Add a spot in your schedule where there is absolutely nothing to be done. This will give your mind and body time to replenish what’s been lost by stress and projects. It gives you time to do whatever you’ve really been dying to do, like read this blog article. The things that happen to us, by our brains, shows a lack or need for something. If you’re procrastinating on a particular project or thing try to find out if what you’re procrastinating on is something you really want to do, or if it’s something that just could be done. Make sure you’re not overexerting yourself and forgetting about what you love. You’ve only got once to go through this life, make sure you live it up!